Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
SOC: 19-2099.01
Common Job Titles
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
Image Scientist
Remote Sensing Analyst
Remote Sensing Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign novel sensor systems and analytical algorithms using Python, MATLAB, and cloud computing platforms to advance remote sensing capabilities.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize geospatial information from multiple remote sensing platforms integrating LIDAR, SAR, and thermal imaging data to generate comprehensive environmental assessments.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate project objectives and data collection strategies for UAV-based remote sensing missions under regulatory and resource constraints.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data using geographic information systems and image processing software to solve natural resource management problems.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate spatial data quality and compliance with technical standards across airborne and spaceborne imaging systems for urban planning and homeland security applications.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex spatial patterns and environmental changes for interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders in technical reports and presentations.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate best practices in geospatial data management and open-source remote sensing methodologies when training team members and consulting with client organizations.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply mathematical and statistical models to quantify spatial phenomena using R, SQL, and cloud-based big data platforms like Apache Hadoop and AWS.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground control equipment following safety protocols and flight planning procedures using DroneDeploy and Mission Planner.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate spectral imaging sensors and GPS devices using ground control targets and calibration software to ensure measurement accuracy.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,580
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $61,990. 25th percentile: U.S. $82,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $117,960. 75th percentile: U.S. $154,900. 90th percentile: U.S. $191,880. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$61,990
10% of workers earn the following or more
$191,880
Workers on average earn
$123,070
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Geography4.8/5
Mathematics4.2/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Amazon DynamoDB
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
Amazon Redshift
Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Ansible software
Apache Hadoop
Apache Hive
Apache Kafka
Atlassian JIRA
Bash
C
C#
C++
Docker
ESRI ArcGIS software
Elasticsearch
Epic Systems
Extensible markup language XML
Git
GitHub
Go
JavaScript
JavaScript Object Notation JSON
Linux
Microsoft Azure software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
MySQL
NoSQL
Node.js
Oracle Database
Oracle Java
Perl
PostgreSQL
Puppet
Python
R
Ruby
Salesforce software
Scala
Selenium
Structured query language SQL
Swift
Tableau
The MathWorks MATLAB
UNIX
Technology Skills
Aeronautical charts
Agisoft Metashape
Airdata
Apache HTTP Server
ArduPilot Mission Planner
BAE Systems SOCET GXP
Calibration software
CloudCompare
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills
Tools & Equipment
Airborne imaging systems
Airfield lighting equipment
Anemometers
DJI GS Pro
Desktop computers
Doppler Rayleigh laser imaging ranging and detecting LIDAR systems
